WAVEFORM TODAY
Waveform Ceramics is a clay classroom and pottery studio in Oakland, California that specializes in beginners, with a focus on body awareness, mindfulness and having fun.
Waveform was born in Caty’s garage after they left a remote job during the pandemic. They converted the space into a clay classroom with the goal of connecting to the material world and sharing my passion for conversing with clay in motion! Two years later, the studio has grown and found a home in North Oakland at Lowell Street Studios.
Some people come to Waveform for a new experience, others are looking for one-on-one coaching to deepen what they already know about pottery, others come to decompress and unplug. A chill studio with small classes means that Waveform can tailor each session to your experience and goals.
ABOUT CATY
Hiya! I’m Catherine Monahon — Caty, Cath, Mx. Frizzle — an artist and audio storyteller with a passion for continuous learning, accessibility and musicals. I’ve been captivated by clay in motion since I was 13; I turned my garage into a clay classroom in 2022 after leaving a remote office job. Book a class and see what Waveform is all about!
I have a background in education, writing and communications. I currently freelance as a communications consultant for small businesses and non-profits. My writing about art, illness and disability has been published in The New York Times, The British Medical Journal and The MIT Press. Read some of my writing here.
Conversations with the Material World (CwtMW), an interactive audio installation I created in collaboration with three artists and a composer, has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Hirschhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, MCLA’s Gallery 51 and Jettison Creative. Check out my installation work and learn about upcoming shows here.
I have also worked as a field recordist on the side, capturing audio for various projects in the Bay Area. I produce and host Material Feels, a show all about the intimate relationships between people and the materials they fall in love with. Listen to the show here, or wherever you get your podcasts!
WAVEFORM’S STORY
The origin story of Waveform begins with this orange wheel, and my dear friend Steve.
I was struggling with depression during the pandy stuck in my room working a remote job and feeling low. I told Steve the only thing that would help was imagining centering on the wheel. Concerned, he used his Christmas bonus to gift me what would be Waveform's first wheel. Here it is nestled in the chaos that was the garage in 2021.
I threw on the wheel now and then, and also discovered a work-trade at the mothership where I now glaze and fire everyone's work, Merritt Ceramics!
I decided I needed a sink, so I YouTubed how to make a recirculating sink and got to work.
I began thinking about teaching and came up with four core studio values...Accessibility, relaxation, celebration and curiousity. Writing them down was the beginning of something tangible being born.
My friend Meghan helped design Waveform's logo and I painted it on the wall... the business was born!
I went from one wheel to four (now five). I started offering classes to friends and community in the neighborhood!
My friend Matthew at Kids 'n' Clay helped me build new stands for the wheels!
Dylan, my garage-mate who teaches guitar, and superstar student Eryvis repainted the walls with me for a fresh start.
I got a disco ball to remind myself and my students to let loose and have fun!
The studio quote board is home to much philosophy and many clay puns. My beloved flag keeps the space feeling extra queer.
I work with up to three students at a time, Thursday - Sunday. I love what I do!
Thanks for coming along for the ride :) see you in the studio soon, xo, your neighborhood Mx. Frizzle!
In April of 2024, I moved out of the garage into a studio space!
I spent the first few months building a studio as I taught out of the new space...
I built furniture, hosted birthday parties and craft nights, and continued to create Waveform's home sweet home...
Beloved regulars at the new studio space!
A full house is a happy house...
I am honored to create creative space for people to connect with materials, themselves and one another. <3